Funeral Potatoes Recipe Pioneer Woman: Cheesy Bake With Crunchy Cornflake Topping

This cheesy potato casserole delivers comfort in every bite, with a creamy base and a crunchy cornflake topping that’s impossible to resist.

I’ve perfected this dish to be rich, satisfying, and just the right balance of creamy and crispy. It’s the ultimate side for gatherings or a cozy family meal.

Ingredients for Funeral Potatoes Recipe Pioneer Woman

Creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and a buttery cornflake crunch on top. Pure comfort.

The potatoes are the foundation—Russets give that perfect fluffy texture once baked. Most grocery stores carry them year-round. The cheese matters too: block cheddar shredded by hand melts smoother than pre-shredded (which has anti-caking agents). For the cream of chicken soup, Campbell’s vegetarian version works perfectly if you’re avoiding meat. I grab mine at Walmart for convenience.

No cream of chicken soup? Cream of mushroom or celery works just as well. Sour cream can be swapped for Greek yogurt if you prefer a tangier bite. The cornflake topping is non-negotiable for that signature crunch, but crushed Ritz crackers are a solid backup. For extra richness, some folks add crumbled potato chips—not traditional, but delicious.

This casserole reheats like a dream. Assemble it the night before, refrigerate, then bake when ready—add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Leftovers keep for 4-5 days in the fridge (if they last that long) or freeze for up to 3 months. The cornflake topping stays crispy if you add it fresh before reheating.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Funeral Potatoes With Cornflake Topping

Here’s the method that delivers creamy, cheesy perfection with a crispy crunch on top.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Aromatics

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Peel the 2.5 lb Russet Potatoes and slice them into ⅛-inch thick rounds. I find a mandoline makes quick work of this, but a sharp knife works too—just keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly.

Finely dice the 1 whole Yellow Onion until you have about 1 cup. Mince the 2 cloves Garlic Cloves until they’re nearly paste-like. In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with the onion, garlic, 1 tsp Kosher Salt, and 0.5 tsp Ground Black Pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of the 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter. Whisk in the 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden—this creates a roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully.

Slowly whisk in the 0.5 cup Whole Milk (make sure it’s warm to prevent curdling) and the 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the 1 cup Sour Cream and 1½ cups of the 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese until smooth. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour half of the cheese sauce into the bowl with the potatoes and toss gently to coat every slice. Transfer this mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese over the sauce. This layer will melt into a gooey, golden crust during baking. Cover the dish tightly with foil—this traps steam to cook the potatoes through before we add the topping.

Step 4: Add the Cornflake Topping and Bake

Bake covered for 45 minutes. While it bakes, crush the 2 cups Cornflakes Cereal into coarse crumbs—I use a rolling pin in a sealed bag. Melt the remaining ¼ cup Unsalted Butter and mix it with the crushed cornflakes until evenly coated.

After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the buttery cornflake mixture evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife and the topping is deep golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. The top should have a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy potatoes underneath.

Scoop generous portions onto plates, making sure each serving gets some of that buttery cornflake topping. The dish serves 6 beautifully as a side or a comforting main with a simple green salad.

Serving Suggestions for This funeral potatoes recipe pioneer woman

Holiday Feast Pairing

This casserole shines at holiday meals, especially with roast ham or herb-crusted turkey. The creamy potatoes balance the saltiness of cured meats beautifully. I always make it for Thanksgiving alongside my honey-glazed spiral ham. 💛

Potluck Perfection

For potlucks, transport it in the baking dish covered with foil. Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. It pairs well with green bean casserole and dinner rolls for a complete comfort food spread.

Simple Weeknight Meal

Serve it as a main dish with a crisp garden salad and steamed broccoli. The richness of the potatoes satisfies as a vegetarian entree. I love adding a balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.

Brunch Surprise

Yes, it works for brunch too! Serve smaller portions alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon. The savory flavors complement each other perfectly. My family requests this for Sunday brunch at least once a month.

Game Day Favorite

For game day, cut into squares and serve as finger food with toothpicks. The cornflake topping stays crispy even when served at room temperature. Pair with buffalo wings and ranch dressing for dipping. 🔥

Leftovers Reinvented

Turn leftovers into loaded potato skins by scooping the mixture into baked potato halves. Top with extra cheddar cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes until melted. It’s a great way to repurpose the dish the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions